Question - you talk frequently about speaking to the "guys at Apertura" but we all know that Apertura is not a telescope company, it is simply the High Point Scientific brand of scopes made by GSO of Taiwan. So, any idea where we can buy this outside of the USA? I'm in Japan and the only listed dealer of GSO (on their website) is Kasai Trading - their (Kasai's) website looks like it hasn't been updates since the internet began.
@whites08Сағат бұрын
Great review… scopes and mount I’m currently using are all second hand.. I’ve watched a few reviews of the Askar V but I keep coming back to yours…I’m sold and ordered mine yesterday….first light coming soon 👍👍
@andreguimaraes96Сағат бұрын
Thank you, I’m starting to understand 😂🤟🏼🖖🏼
@anata51272 сағат бұрын
Seeing is measured in FWHM. If I have HFR from NINA, how could I calculate FWHM?
@anata51278 сағат бұрын
Where is your EQ-6? Did you throw it away from balcony?
@swnovanovice11 сағат бұрын
Thank you, Cuiv... I didn't see that you were hosting a livestream so have just watched the full 3+ hours... WELL DONE! I have been watching your tutorials and videos for some time, now (after you returned to the screen) and you are my first and major online go-to for Astro Info (still read the CN topics, AB topics and watch Nico, Trevor and Dillon as well). OK... that's me in Bortle 7+ skies in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Can). Been using an ZWO AM5 (for my Askar 107 PHQ +ASI2600MCP, 50mm Guide scope + ASI290MM, related NB filters, ASI Air + and other associated gear) for almost a year now and have been V-E-R-Y happy with results. Also use DWARF LABS II and S50 SeeStar... and look forward to advancements in these devices, too. OK... that's me in mostly Bortle 7+ skies in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Can). Your input on the many topics you have addressed is equally V-E-R-Y appreciatrd - please keep enjoying astro-imaging and sharing your observations and processes with us... and be gentle with yourself!
@jeffratino545612 сағат бұрын
I purchased a Lite Back in April. They did not test it as they said with the amount of cloudy skies they were having, it would take months. First thing I noticed was the screw for the altitude adjustment on the wedge would not turn at all. They sent me a replacement. But in May I had a medical emergency and therefore just set it up last week. The guiding was ok .8-1.1. I have WO Z61 with usual accessories, mini PC, EAF, EFW... So not too heavy a payload. Seemed to perform well for the first time using it. But when I went to stack one of my images, there was registration issues. I need to delve into this a little deeper as my first inspection using Blink in PI looked ok. I hope I'm not having tracking issues.
@seek.l221514 сағат бұрын
So if you are slightly off from polar alignment and the image drifts slowly over the course, would dithering even do anything?
@synbiotik457714 сағат бұрын
La différence est vraiment spectaculaire! Quand j'ai commencé l'astrophotographie, je m'étais imaginé travailler essentiellement avec un Newton. Et je me suis laissé convaincre d'utiliser un réfracteur pour sa simplicité.... Du coup, à la vue de tes vidéos, je songe de plus en plus à passer à du réflecteur! 😅 Merci pour tes vidéos Cuiv! (Bonjour de France)
@KingLoopie114 сағат бұрын
Good review! I think that it'll do fine up to its rated payload. If you're nervous, you can install a slide stop bolt on the telescope wedge to prevent it from sliding out of the mount. I don't see much difference between this dovetail mount as compared to the am5 unless this mount plate is made of 3d printed material...
@best_pilot100214 сағат бұрын
I M P O R T A N T ! ! Hi Cuiv and a brief question: Over here in Germany, numerous S50 users - including me - are experiencing an erratic behaviour of the S50 AFTER this week's software update. In addition, the Lunar Option is now disabled; cannot be activated. Do you experience similar effects with your S50 ? Thanks for a brief comment I informed my contact person at ZWO, whether this software update can be eliminated by a link or whatever. Cheers
@Cbastrophotography16 сағат бұрын
What do you think about the pegasus astro nyx-101 harmonic mount? I cant really find good reviews online, just some post on cloudynights, really interestet in wath you think about it.
@michaelbibby863617 сағат бұрын
Another use case for that modularity is to have the mount permanently fixed on a pier outside, with the critical hardware and electronics of the mount easily removed to be stored safely inside, and a simple cover would be enough to protect the base of the mount on the pier. This could actually be pretty handy.
@HamishBarker18 сағат бұрын
one could also use the modular nature to mount it on a bent-knee pier (a pier with the top part bent over to point at the polar axis) and thereby eliminate the need to meridian flip.
@robertogrossige6720 сағат бұрын
Not is equatorial mode ! The geometry is different, can be little similar !
@martinchapman667020 сағат бұрын
I use Onstep on my G11, it's a brilliant system, I think my total bill for the build was around £150, (including the sandwich box it is built into)!
@epielanonimo21 сағат бұрын
I'm a happy customer of the regular UMi 17. I had a problem that during a night the PC shut down before the mount moved back to home and after that the mounts home position got reset to where it was when it lost pc connection. I just had to move it with the phone app to where I considered to be the original home position and reset it in the app. But I asume this is a problem with any mount without a physical home position. I'm looking forward to the new Skywatcher Wave 100i. For a grab and go it should weight 4.3 kg (slightly more than Umi Lite with base) but with two saddle support (in Alt/AZ mode)! I hope it performs well since I'd love to use it in the spanish eclipse of 2026 and have a two camera setup to capture it.
@mikepaling473621 сағат бұрын
Hi ... I have an early version of GraXpert on my Win10 Computer .... do I have to completely remove this version before loading the latest version. If the answer is yes .... can you remind me what is the best way to uninsall it?
@sianikolaou544023 сағат бұрын
Glad Proxisky were able to help you with technical support to get the UMi 17 Lite working again. That is good customer support! I'm still leaning towards a ZWO AM3 or AM5 but tempted with Sky-Watcher's new Wave mounts.
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
Don't forget about WarpAstron, and maybe even Emcan Astro as alternatives! I'm very curious as to how well the Sky watcher mounts will perform!
@thimitri1Күн бұрын
Would have loved to see your reaction while unboxing this mount..
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
I'll keep that in mind for next time!
@KaidenBainAstroКүн бұрын
As of currently they text mounts upon request of the customer, I received a tested unit. I have the UMi 17, I use it with my SVX102T and it does very well. I typically see RMS values of 0.3-0.6” but I’ve seen 0.2” several times.
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
That's great to hear! I wonder how they'll manage to keep that up as they grow!
@vk3dgnКүн бұрын
Tin whiskers is a built-in failure condition - the whiskers will slowly grow over time until shorting out a fine track somewhere. Do they have a conformal coating on the PCB?
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
They seemed to actually have a coating on top of those solder points but maybe they got unlucky...
@alomgirmiahКүн бұрын
Were you able to use it with NINA, I tried everything it wont connect. I get guide errors close of 0.5-0.7 with asiair. Great Video!
@kevinedw2002Күн бұрын
Had no problems connecting mine to NINA. Did you download the Onstep ascom drivers and the com port drivers?
@alomgirmiah17 сағат бұрын
@kevinedw2002 thank you, I was missing the port drivers.
@vijaysutar9822Күн бұрын
Too much talking,no action, boring
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
Sad.
@WilliamBlakersКүн бұрын
If you had 2 newts of the same diameter but different focal lengths ( F4 and F5) could they be used like this ?
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
Yes! These are f3.8 and f3.5!
@WilliamBlakers19 сағат бұрын
@@CuivTheLazyGeek FFS Cuiv you had one job to do. " No Bill", "Stop your telescope hoarding Bill", "Your telescopes are killing your family Bill". Oh well, time to get another camera I guess.
@DeepSpaceAstroКүн бұрын
I feel like you and Dylan are competing for "The 1st one to hit 100K subs wins" with both of you posting every other day! 😜
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
I try to post twice a week! I think I can reach 100k in 10 years lol
@ssrattusКүн бұрын
Thanks
@alfredobeltran611Күн бұрын
Very good comparison, Cuiv. This exercise clearly shows the advantage of having more aperture. Simple physics: the greater the aperture, the more light gathered by the telescope. That’s why I chose an EdgeHD 9.25”, that I use with Hyperstar or at f10, depending on the target. And that’s also why professional observatories choose always big telescopes: more light gathering capability. Regards, Alfredo
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
Exactly Alfredo! Cheers, and enjoy your beast of a scope!
@jesuschrist2284Күн бұрын
If read noise is swamped by light pollution so easily, why use any gain or offset?
@jesuschrist2284Күн бұрын
Not looking forward to trying to balance offset and gain against sub lengths and filling well capacity. Is there a way to do this in just nina? Do you have a video how to? :) Ive watched you video on optimum exposure times, ill watch it again ;)
@RandallKayfesКүн бұрын
Another reason for two part - leaving the mount on a semi permanent (for PA and SA) tripod/pier taking the mount indoors BTW USB & Power Ports, ASCOM Driver?
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
Aah that's a very good thought! Although I'd be hard pressed to keep the PA intact while doing so - still, possible indeed!
@TheTabugmanКүн бұрын
I don't think you got any special treatment. My UMI17 was tested and I got to see the guide logs before purchase (I believe they ran it for about 2,5-3 hours) before selecting the specific copy I wanted.
@CuivTheLazyGeekКүн бұрын
That's great to hear! I do have to ask myself the question :) I wonder how long they'll be able to let people choose like that, it's excellent to hear however :)
@TheTabugmanКүн бұрын
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Probably not long term, but who knows. Even if they don't offer guide logs in the future, just running them for a couple of hours should mitigate issues like you had. Most electronics either break instantly or work a long time. 🤷🏼♂️
@peterwilles722714 сағат бұрын
Weird comment
@TheTabugman14 сағат бұрын
@@peterwilles7227 How so?
@ttp_007Күн бұрын
For a new brand, the prices should be significantly lower than industry leader ZWO. Any new company confident in their product should offer attractive pricing to get their brand into as many hands as possible, rather than adopting a "get rich quick" pricing strategy. I have learned that saving little money with this hobby can take your joy away within a few frustrated nights. Buy once, cry once! Thanks for your honest video Cuiv, and clear skies!
@jaimenegrete1253Күн бұрын
Hi Cuiv, Jaime from Chile again. If you going to 3d printing your own apodizing devices, make sure to scale acording to your telescope . The total length should be according to the following simple formula: Main mirror diameter minus secondary mirror diameter divided by 2. Then at the moment of placing on the spider, make sure you consider to fit the Device starting from the edge of the secondary mirror to eliminate the spikes because they are placed right on the light path of the telescope. Hope this information will help you. Greetings from BelloCielo - Chile 🇨🇱
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
Woohoo, thank you for those details, outstanding!
@ZachPetchКүн бұрын
Apparently I simply hadn’t come across this video yet. Please ignore my previous question (if you haven’t already) regarding why you don’t do dark frames. And thanks for sharing!
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
Cheers Zach!
@yobb89Күн бұрын
19:00 hmm is there pulse length settings or a multiplier to change ?
@Wombatzone31Күн бұрын
Thanks for a great and honest review... for me, the new SkyWatcher 150 is going to be the winner. Plan to upgrade my EQ6-R to the 150i
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
I really hope so! Fingers crossed!
@mariospenard5125Күн бұрын
I have the WO wedge… just need the mount!… if it’s working! 😊
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
That wedge has such a great reputation, could be a perfect fit!
@mariospenard512513 сағат бұрын
@@CuivTheLazyGeek It is a good wedge but maybe not for loads over 5 kg. Would like to see a mini Harmonic mount smaller than the AM3... something like a 1.5 kg mount with 5 kg capacity to replace my SW Star Adventurer ! Wishful thinking.
@kanellosdimitropoulos9759Күн бұрын
Great review as always Cuiv, I was eagerly waiting for this one! I am expecting the 17R soon as well! 🙃 Gotta love competition, those new brand SWG mounts are killing it as far as pricing is concerned! Makes you think what the profit margins of the "big" brand companies are ie how much they are ripping us poor lazy geeks off.
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
Yep, there is definitely a premium built into the larger player mounts like ZWO and SW... So it's great to see players pushing the price down!
@deep_space_daveКүн бұрын
Interesting mount. I hope iOptron is paying attention because the SkyHunter is crap. Actually the design is just like the SkyHunter where it uses a dovetail saddle / wedge type base. One thing about the iOptron base is that it has a screw to stop the mount from sliding off the base! I wonder of the $200 USD advanced base made by iOptron might be a better choice for this. Either way thanks for you honest review!
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
I honestly don't understand the Sky hunter - there are so many ways to achieve better results at that size... Thanks as always Dave!
@wesleydonnelly2141Күн бұрын
Cuiv maybe they got carried away with the "modular" design?? personally I would have no problems with the unusual design as long as it performed as well as I expected it to. One thing that did worry me is that faulty circuit board! I'm no electronics manufacturing expert but it seems to be a bad omen if they're not consistently producing perfectly soldered/constructed electronic components? I would worry a lot about a brand new fully functioning mount suffering electronic failures after a few months of usage!? It just saps your confidence to buy it when it's costing $1000+!
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
It was a bummer indeed! They told me it's the first time they see that. I do see the ability to get a replacement board (or buy one down the road) as a very good thing though, so it's 50/50 there..
@Neanderthal75Күн бұрын
Hey Cuiv! Great review! Unfortunately I have a bad luck with mounts that have a "locking" lever for alt/az adjustments. I already had 2 of those, Skywatcher's star adventurer and iOptron Cem26. After owning those, I really don't like that design. As you noticed, it shifts the polar alignment after locking. They have to come up with a better idea. On the other hand, I am glad to see a competition and pushing the prices further down. I wish we would have the same race going on in the camera market.
@realmceronoКүн бұрын
Got a CEM26 and I never touch the lever after polar alignment. No issues at all and I don't know why everybody thinks you have to lock it hard.
@kevinedw2002Күн бұрын
The new Ragdoll and Umi 17R mounts have done away with the locking lever
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
Yep I agree on all counts - the WarpAstron has much better design, and the newer UMi mounts to as well. And the EM31Pro I'm testing has the best polar alignment I've used :)
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
On this wedge you do need to lock it hard, otherwise there is definitely some play that makes the rig more sensitive to wind!
@kevinedw200220 сағат бұрын
@@CuivTheLazyGeek My solution to the significant play in the altitude adjustment bolt was to install a heavy compression spring on the shaft - this also removes the 'dead spot'.
@davehudson5589Күн бұрын
Another comment regarding the AM3…. it tracks well and i am getting about .6 RMS most of the time. However, i do have an issue where the mount will go wonky about every 10 or so subs… just completely jumps on RA…. having said that, I had a similar issue with my AM5 and it was solved by tightening the belts… not the easiest of tasks on the AM series mounts so i haven’t checked/done it yet on the AM3….
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
That is VERY interesting indeed! I think that would be a reason to return the mount to be honest! Hopefully you can get it fixed soon...
@dumpydalekobservatoryКүн бұрын
Very interesting mount Cuiv it certainly has a few weird designs regarding the wedge being separate & the counterweight bar being fitted with a finder shoe, however with it being onstep it should connect using ASCOM just fine as I use ONSTEP on my old CGE pro mount but as for using Indi drivers I'm a bit clueless regarding those. Talking of INDI I see that ToupTek are bringing out an Asi air clone which should work with any cameras etc & not be locked into one system & I'm thinking of ordering one as this could be the answer we've been needing for a long time.
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
Yep, ASCOM works perfectly fine with it as well :) and yes I'm looking forward to the Touptek Astro station !
@davehudson5589Күн бұрын
Cuiv - another great review. Absolutely love you and your channel. I love how honest you are and how you clarify you concerns vs engineering concerns. We are in a whole new era of portability! I have been working for literally 15 years to get an airplane friendly kit and i finally have it and just traveled via air to Joshua Tree. I took an AM3 and a 90mm Askar FRA500 with Asi Air and Zwo Asi 6200 with 50mm guide scope. It all fit in a carry on and was .2 pounds under the carry on limit (35 pounds)!! Air friendly power banks are still a challenge, but we are getting there!!
@CuivTheLazyGeek21 сағат бұрын
Thanks Dave! I really try hard to stay as objective and honest as possible! And sounds like you have a killer kit there :)
@sonacphotosКүн бұрын
Proxisky are very good for replacement parts. I had them send me a spare PCB for my original UMi just in case anything ever went wrong when I got mine as I fully intend to use it forever. An their support is stellar.
@CuivTheLazyGeekКүн бұрын
That's great to know, thanks for the feedback!
@andylau9010Күн бұрын
I have used the EM31 equatorial mount (not the EM31pro) and the UMI17, and I have also exchanged experiences with other astronomy enthusiasts who use Chinese-made harmonic equatorial mounts from other brands. In my opinion, the UMI17 is the most cost-effective option, while the EM31pro is the most friendly for deep space photography in the field.
@CuivTheLazyGeekКүн бұрын
The EM31Pro felt like such a premium mount :)
@georges.5612Күн бұрын
I'd be concerned with a dovetail shoe holding a counterweight bar and counterweight without any kind of movement. This is probably a concern that has no basis in real-world use, but I suspect I'm not the only person who would perceive this to be a potential issue. The wedge was also a concern when I first saw this on AliExpress, and it appears this might not have been entirely an issue of perception. While its removability could confer some advantages to some people, the drawbacks would outweigh them for me. Shedding a couple kgs of weight is always nice, but (for me) not at the price of difficulties in achieving or maintaining good polar alignment. If space is at such a premium while traveling that one needs a separate wedge, one can always pack one less pair of socks.
Пікірлер
Question - you talk frequently about speaking to the "guys at Apertura" but we all know that Apertura is not a telescope company, it is simply the High Point Scientific brand of scopes made by GSO of Taiwan. So, any idea where we can buy this outside of the USA? I'm in Japan and the only listed dealer of GSO (on their website) is Kasai Trading - their (Kasai's) website looks like it hasn't been updates since the internet began.
Great review… scopes and mount I’m currently using are all second hand.. I’ve watched a few reviews of the Askar V but I keep coming back to yours…I’m sold and ordered mine yesterday….first light coming soon 👍👍
Thank you, I’m starting to understand 😂🤟🏼🖖🏼
Seeing is measured in FWHM. If I have HFR from NINA, how could I calculate FWHM?
Where is your EQ-6? Did you throw it away from balcony?
Thank you, Cuiv... I didn't see that you were hosting a livestream so have just watched the full 3+ hours... WELL DONE! I have been watching your tutorials and videos for some time, now (after you returned to the screen) and you are my first and major online go-to for Astro Info (still read the CN topics, AB topics and watch Nico, Trevor and Dillon as well). OK... that's me in Bortle 7+ skies in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Can). Been using an ZWO AM5 (for my Askar 107 PHQ +ASI2600MCP, 50mm Guide scope + ASI290MM, related NB filters, ASI Air + and other associated gear) for almost a year now and have been V-E-R-Y happy with results. Also use DWARF LABS II and S50 SeeStar... and look forward to advancements in these devices, too. OK... that's me in mostly Bortle 7+ skies in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Can). Your input on the many topics you have addressed is equally V-E-R-Y appreciatrd - please keep enjoying astro-imaging and sharing your observations and processes with us... and be gentle with yourself!
I purchased a Lite Back in April. They did not test it as they said with the amount of cloudy skies they were having, it would take months. First thing I noticed was the screw for the altitude adjustment on the wedge would not turn at all. They sent me a replacement. But in May I had a medical emergency and therefore just set it up last week. The guiding was ok .8-1.1. I have WO Z61 with usual accessories, mini PC, EAF, EFW... So not too heavy a payload. Seemed to perform well for the first time using it. But when I went to stack one of my images, there was registration issues. I need to delve into this a little deeper as my first inspection using Blink in PI looked ok. I hope I'm not having tracking issues.
So if you are slightly off from polar alignment and the image drifts slowly over the course, would dithering even do anything?
La différence est vraiment spectaculaire! Quand j'ai commencé l'astrophotographie, je m'étais imaginé travailler essentiellement avec un Newton. Et je me suis laissé convaincre d'utiliser un réfracteur pour sa simplicité.... Du coup, à la vue de tes vidéos, je songe de plus en plus à passer à du réflecteur! 😅 Merci pour tes vidéos Cuiv! (Bonjour de France)
Good review! I think that it'll do fine up to its rated payload. If you're nervous, you can install a slide stop bolt on the telescope wedge to prevent it from sliding out of the mount. I don't see much difference between this dovetail mount as compared to the am5 unless this mount plate is made of 3d printed material...
I M P O R T A N T ! ! Hi Cuiv and a brief question: Over here in Germany, numerous S50 users - including me - are experiencing an erratic behaviour of the S50 AFTER this week's software update. In addition, the Lunar Option is now disabled; cannot be activated. Do you experience similar effects with your S50 ? Thanks for a brief comment I informed my contact person at ZWO, whether this software update can be eliminated by a link or whatever. Cheers
What do you think about the pegasus astro nyx-101 harmonic mount? I cant really find good reviews online, just some post on cloudynights, really interestet in wath you think about it.
Another use case for that modularity is to have the mount permanently fixed on a pier outside, with the critical hardware and electronics of the mount easily removed to be stored safely inside, and a simple cover would be enough to protect the base of the mount on the pier. This could actually be pretty handy.
one could also use the modular nature to mount it on a bent-knee pier (a pier with the top part bent over to point at the polar axis) and thereby eliminate the need to meridian flip.
Not is equatorial mode ! The geometry is different, can be little similar !
I use Onstep on my G11, it's a brilliant system, I think my total bill for the build was around £150, (including the sandwich box it is built into)!
I'm a happy customer of the regular UMi 17. I had a problem that during a night the PC shut down before the mount moved back to home and after that the mounts home position got reset to where it was when it lost pc connection. I just had to move it with the phone app to where I considered to be the original home position and reset it in the app. But I asume this is a problem with any mount without a physical home position. I'm looking forward to the new Skywatcher Wave 100i. For a grab and go it should weight 4.3 kg (slightly more than Umi Lite with base) but with two saddle support (in Alt/AZ mode)! I hope it performs well since I'd love to use it in the spanish eclipse of 2026 and have a two camera setup to capture it.
Hi ... I have an early version of GraXpert on my Win10 Computer .... do I have to completely remove this version before loading the latest version. If the answer is yes .... can you remind me what is the best way to uninsall it?
Glad Proxisky were able to help you with technical support to get the UMi 17 Lite working again. That is good customer support! I'm still leaning towards a ZWO AM3 or AM5 but tempted with Sky-Watcher's new Wave mounts.
Don't forget about WarpAstron, and maybe even Emcan Astro as alternatives! I'm very curious as to how well the Sky watcher mounts will perform!
Would have loved to see your reaction while unboxing this mount..
I'll keep that in mind for next time!
As of currently they text mounts upon request of the customer, I received a tested unit. I have the UMi 17, I use it with my SVX102T and it does very well. I typically see RMS values of 0.3-0.6” but I’ve seen 0.2” several times.
That's great to hear! I wonder how they'll manage to keep that up as they grow!
Tin whiskers is a built-in failure condition - the whiskers will slowly grow over time until shorting out a fine track somewhere. Do they have a conformal coating on the PCB?
They seemed to actually have a coating on top of those solder points but maybe they got unlucky...
Were you able to use it with NINA, I tried everything it wont connect. I get guide errors close of 0.5-0.7 with asiair. Great Video!
Had no problems connecting mine to NINA. Did you download the Onstep ascom drivers and the com port drivers?
@kevinedw2002 thank you, I was missing the port drivers.
Too much talking,no action, boring
Sad.
If you had 2 newts of the same diameter but different focal lengths ( F4 and F5) could they be used like this ?
Yes! These are f3.8 and f3.5!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek FFS Cuiv you had one job to do. " No Bill", "Stop your telescope hoarding Bill", "Your telescopes are killing your family Bill". Oh well, time to get another camera I guess.
I feel like you and Dylan are competing for "The 1st one to hit 100K subs wins" with both of you posting every other day! 😜
I try to post twice a week! I think I can reach 100k in 10 years lol
Thanks
Very good comparison, Cuiv. This exercise clearly shows the advantage of having more aperture. Simple physics: the greater the aperture, the more light gathered by the telescope. That’s why I chose an EdgeHD 9.25”, that I use with Hyperstar or at f10, depending on the target. And that’s also why professional observatories choose always big telescopes: more light gathering capability. Regards, Alfredo
Exactly Alfredo! Cheers, and enjoy your beast of a scope!
If read noise is swamped by light pollution so easily, why use any gain or offset?
Not looking forward to trying to balance offset and gain against sub lengths and filling well capacity. Is there a way to do this in just nina? Do you have a video how to? :) Ive watched you video on optimum exposure times, ill watch it again ;)
Another reason for two part - leaving the mount on a semi permanent (for PA and SA) tripod/pier taking the mount indoors BTW USB & Power Ports, ASCOM Driver?
Aah that's a very good thought! Although I'd be hard pressed to keep the PA intact while doing so - still, possible indeed!
I don't think you got any special treatment. My UMI17 was tested and I got to see the guide logs before purchase (I believe they ran it for about 2,5-3 hours) before selecting the specific copy I wanted.
That's great to hear! I do have to ask myself the question :) I wonder how long they'll be able to let people choose like that, it's excellent to hear however :)
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Probably not long term, but who knows. Even if they don't offer guide logs in the future, just running them for a couple of hours should mitigate issues like you had. Most electronics either break instantly or work a long time. 🤷🏼♂️
Weird comment
@@peterwilles7227 How so?
For a new brand, the prices should be significantly lower than industry leader ZWO. Any new company confident in their product should offer attractive pricing to get their brand into as many hands as possible, rather than adopting a "get rich quick" pricing strategy. I have learned that saving little money with this hobby can take your joy away within a few frustrated nights. Buy once, cry once! Thanks for your honest video Cuiv, and clear skies!
Hi Cuiv, Jaime from Chile again. If you going to 3d printing your own apodizing devices, make sure to scale acording to your telescope . The total length should be according to the following simple formula: Main mirror diameter minus secondary mirror diameter divided by 2. Then at the moment of placing on the spider, make sure you consider to fit the Device starting from the edge of the secondary mirror to eliminate the spikes because they are placed right on the light path of the telescope. Hope this information will help you. Greetings from BelloCielo - Chile 🇨🇱
Woohoo, thank you for those details, outstanding!
Apparently I simply hadn’t come across this video yet. Please ignore my previous question (if you haven’t already) regarding why you don’t do dark frames. And thanks for sharing!
Cheers Zach!
19:00 hmm is there pulse length settings or a multiplier to change ?
Thanks for a great and honest review... for me, the new SkyWatcher 150 is going to be the winner. Plan to upgrade my EQ6-R to the 150i
I really hope so! Fingers crossed!
I have the WO wedge… just need the mount!… if it’s working! 😊
That wedge has such a great reputation, could be a perfect fit!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek It is a good wedge but maybe not for loads over 5 kg. Would like to see a mini Harmonic mount smaller than the AM3... something like a 1.5 kg mount with 5 kg capacity to replace my SW Star Adventurer ! Wishful thinking.
Great review as always Cuiv, I was eagerly waiting for this one! I am expecting the 17R soon as well! 🙃 Gotta love competition, those new brand SWG mounts are killing it as far as pricing is concerned! Makes you think what the profit margins of the "big" brand companies are ie how much they are ripping us poor lazy geeks off.
Yep, there is definitely a premium built into the larger player mounts like ZWO and SW... So it's great to see players pushing the price down!
Interesting mount. I hope iOptron is paying attention because the SkyHunter is crap. Actually the design is just like the SkyHunter where it uses a dovetail saddle / wedge type base. One thing about the iOptron base is that it has a screw to stop the mount from sliding off the base! I wonder of the $200 USD advanced base made by iOptron might be a better choice for this. Either way thanks for you honest review!
I honestly don't understand the Sky hunter - there are so many ways to achieve better results at that size... Thanks as always Dave!
Cuiv maybe they got carried away with the "modular" design?? personally I would have no problems with the unusual design as long as it performed as well as I expected it to. One thing that did worry me is that faulty circuit board! I'm no electronics manufacturing expert but it seems to be a bad omen if they're not consistently producing perfectly soldered/constructed electronic components? I would worry a lot about a brand new fully functioning mount suffering electronic failures after a few months of usage!? It just saps your confidence to buy it when it's costing $1000+!
It was a bummer indeed! They told me it's the first time they see that. I do see the ability to get a replacement board (or buy one down the road) as a very good thing though, so it's 50/50 there..
Hey Cuiv! Great review! Unfortunately I have a bad luck with mounts that have a "locking" lever for alt/az adjustments. I already had 2 of those, Skywatcher's star adventurer and iOptron Cem26. After owning those, I really don't like that design. As you noticed, it shifts the polar alignment after locking. They have to come up with a better idea. On the other hand, I am glad to see a competition and pushing the prices further down. I wish we would have the same race going on in the camera market.
Got a CEM26 and I never touch the lever after polar alignment. No issues at all and I don't know why everybody thinks you have to lock it hard.
The new Ragdoll and Umi 17R mounts have done away with the locking lever
Yep I agree on all counts - the WarpAstron has much better design, and the newer UMi mounts to as well. And the EM31Pro I'm testing has the best polar alignment I've used :)
On this wedge you do need to lock it hard, otherwise there is definitely some play that makes the rig more sensitive to wind!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek My solution to the significant play in the altitude adjustment bolt was to install a heavy compression spring on the shaft - this also removes the 'dead spot'.
Another comment regarding the AM3…. it tracks well and i am getting about .6 RMS most of the time. However, i do have an issue where the mount will go wonky about every 10 or so subs… just completely jumps on RA…. having said that, I had a similar issue with my AM5 and it was solved by tightening the belts… not the easiest of tasks on the AM series mounts so i haven’t checked/done it yet on the AM3….
That is VERY interesting indeed! I think that would be a reason to return the mount to be honest! Hopefully you can get it fixed soon...
Very interesting mount Cuiv it certainly has a few weird designs regarding the wedge being separate & the counterweight bar being fitted with a finder shoe, however with it being onstep it should connect using ASCOM just fine as I use ONSTEP on my old CGE pro mount but as for using Indi drivers I'm a bit clueless regarding those. Talking of INDI I see that ToupTek are bringing out an Asi air clone which should work with any cameras etc & not be locked into one system & I'm thinking of ordering one as this could be the answer we've been needing for a long time.
Yep, ASCOM works perfectly fine with it as well :) and yes I'm looking forward to the Touptek Astro station !
Cuiv - another great review. Absolutely love you and your channel. I love how honest you are and how you clarify you concerns vs engineering concerns. We are in a whole new era of portability! I have been working for literally 15 years to get an airplane friendly kit and i finally have it and just traveled via air to Joshua Tree. I took an AM3 and a 90mm Askar FRA500 with Asi Air and Zwo Asi 6200 with 50mm guide scope. It all fit in a carry on and was .2 pounds under the carry on limit (35 pounds)!! Air friendly power banks are still a challenge, but we are getting there!!
Thanks Dave! I really try hard to stay as objective and honest as possible! And sounds like you have a killer kit there :)
Proxisky are very good for replacement parts. I had them send me a spare PCB for my original UMi just in case anything ever went wrong when I got mine as I fully intend to use it forever. An their support is stellar.
That's great to know, thanks for the feedback!
I have used the EM31 equatorial mount (not the EM31pro) and the UMI17, and I have also exchanged experiences with other astronomy enthusiasts who use Chinese-made harmonic equatorial mounts from other brands. In my opinion, the UMI17 is the most cost-effective option, while the EM31pro is the most friendly for deep space photography in the field.
The EM31Pro felt like such a premium mount :)
I'd be concerned with a dovetail shoe holding a counterweight bar and counterweight without any kind of movement. This is probably a concern that has no basis in real-world use, but I suspect I'm not the only person who would perceive this to be a potential issue. The wedge was also a concern when I first saw this on AliExpress, and it appears this might not have been entirely an issue of perception. While its removability could confer some advantages to some people, the drawbacks would outweigh them for me. Shedding a couple kgs of weight is always nice, but (for me) not at the price of difficulties in achieving or maintaining good polar alignment. If space is at such a premium while traveling that one needs a separate wedge, one can always pack one less pair of socks.
Yep, I tend to agree!